Chef Brian (yes, just “Chef Brian”) would not let the gloomy weather cast a dark cloud over the parking lot of the Hollywood Palladium as the Hennessy Black tour bus pulled into town Tuesday afternoon.

The Hennessy Black promotional tour bus pulled into the Hollywood Palladim Tuesday

“This isn‘t so bad. Yesterday, we were on the beach [Santa Monica] and I had to use the lids for the trays to shield the burners from the winds.”

While outside, Brian prepared a feast of dishes utilizing Hennessy Black, cocktails featuring the new variation on the classic Hennessy cognac were being served inside the bus. Great food. Great drinks. Great people. What can I say? I had a great time!

A peek inside the exclusive Hennessy Black tour bus

The Hennessy name has always been synonymous with excepotional quality spirits - and Hennessy Black is no exception. Like its “cousins,” it can be enjoyed neat - chilled or warm - maybe with a slight twist, and it is a versatile mixer as well. It is also a fantastic addition to a variety of sauces.

I quartet of excellent Hennessy Black libations

A collection of four of the most popular Hennessy Black drinks [“Berry,” “Spice,” “Bull,” and “Royale”] was served, as well as a sample of the unadulterated drink. My personal favorite was Royale - which is Hennessy Black with Moet Nectar and lemon zest. The only real “problem” with the selection was that, as wonderful as they tasted, it seemed more appropriate to warm weather. That said, I can’t wait for summer to try them out again. But once again, served neat - and unchilled - all you need is a fireplace and some good music, and you’ve got a perfect way to spend a cold winter’s night.

However, before the drinks, putting something on my stomach was paramount. And Chef Brian had me covered. One of the stars of an upcoming Food Network series, Private Chefs of Beverly Hills, Chef Brian is as amiable as he is talented. And he is incredibly passionate about his work - the kind of passion that, from the moment you meet him, you know that for him, cuisine isn’t just a talent or a job, but an art form.

Chef Brian - Coming soon to the Food Network in "Private Chefs of Beverly Hills"

First on the plate was a blackened salmon - the Black perfectly complimented the rest of the braise. In an interesting twist on serving a dish on a crouton, The Hennessy Blackened Salmon was plated on top of a large bagel chip. [I admit - it will be difficult for me to go back to lox.] Shrimp was served with a sauce using Hennessey Black, too. When it comes to seafood, it appears that Hennessy appears to be perfectly suited to a variety of recipes.

A Barbeque Chicken Slider (right) and Blackened Salmon (right) were excellent dishes that used Hennessy Black as an ingredient - both were incredible

The chicken sliders were a barbeque lover’s dream - so you‘re on notice, bourbon! And as great as the sauce was on poultry, it could easily go with a variety of barbeque favorites from brisket to pulled pork. And in another simple twist that lent an amazing amount of flavor to the already tasty dish, some diced pepperocinis were the perfect compliment.

Is it too corny to say Give Hennessy Black a shot?

You can get drink recipes and more information on Hennessy Black - as well of the other fine Hennessy products - at the Hennessy homepage. You can also check the Hennessy Black Facebook page for more information on the Hennessy Black promotion tour.

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